questions on past tense....

if i were to write an essay and on the first paragraph i have one past tense on the sentence, is that mean i have to use past tense through out the whole paragraph?

Jane said she had been to Tunisia. <---- can you say "Jane said she has been to Tunisia"? and if you can why dont they say that?

[Red5]

Originally Posted by Chizu

Jane said she had been to Tunisia. <---- can you say "Jane said she has been to Tunisia"? and if you can why dont they say that?

Yes, I you can say "Jane said she has been to Tunisia". I'll leave the rest of your question to the others.

[RonBee]

Generally speaking, it is a good idea to maintain the same tense throughout a paragraph. It is less confusing to the reader that way.

:)

thank you for your answers.
finally, i found a forumn that can instruct me on the english language. im very interesting in learning english but unfortunately i don't have anyone around me to help me. this is the site that will change the way i speak and write. hopefully you guys will keep on helping me and others.
thank you all

oh i got one more question, got it when i was chatting to a friend.

"I played for about 30-40 minute to get that scored" is it scored or score?
i think its scored because i used played..

what do you guys think?

[Red5]

It should be "I played for about 30-40 minutes to get that score"

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by Chizu

Jane said she had been to Tunisia. <---- can you say "Jane said she has been to Tunisia"? and if you can why dont they say that?

It depends on the time of reporting. If it is a recent statement, then it's OK. If she said it a while ago, then you should chnge.

With regard to your question about tense- you do not have to restrict yourself to the past tense. You can also use the past progressive, 'used to', the past perfect, etc.

Originally Posted by Red5

It should be "I played for about 30-40 minutes to get that score"

why cant i used "scored" if its followed with "played"?
"I still remember one day I change my tank water in the early morning"
does remember from above is in a correct tense? if it is can anyone(teacher) can explain to me why? I'm really having difficulties learning the past tense.
man i have a lot of questions to ask after this one. please, bear with me.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Chizu

why cant i used "scored" if its followed with "played"?

One reason is that "score" is a noun in that sentence. It is not a verb. Thus, there cannot be a question about whether both "verbs" should be in the same tense.

(Say: "Why can't I use...if it's...?")

Originally Posted by Chizu

"I still remember one day I change my tank water in the early morning"
does remember from above is in a correct tense? if it is can anyone(teacher) can explain to me why? I'm really having difficulties learning the past tense.
man i have a lot of questions to ask after this one. please, bear with me.

The word "remember" is used correctly in your example sentence. While what you remember took place in the past (which is always the case), the act of remembering takes place in the present. You should use "remembered" when the remembering took place before the present. Example:

• I was watching a television program when I remembered seeing it before.

(Say: "I changed my tank water in the early morning.")
(Say: "Is remember (from above) in the correct tense?")


I'll try to be patient.

:wink: